Chapter 48: Reactions from All Sides

The pirate ship slowly approached the vessel rumored to be laden with gold and jewels.

The ship was eerily silent, save for the sound of the sea breeze brushing against the sails. The pirates scanned their surroundings warily, sensing an ominous aura in the air.

When they boarded the ship, the sight before them sent a chill down their spines. The deck was littered with the bodies of guards, yet there were no signs of a struggle. It was as if the guards had fallen without even putting up a fight—an unsettling and unnatural scene.

The pirates' expressions grew grim. They knew something far more sinister had taken place here.

Cautiously, they pressed onward, deeper into the ship.

In the depths of the cabin, they discovered a decapitated corpse. The room was lavishly decorated, filled with treasures that could sustain anyone for a lifetime. Yet, the sight of the body left them cold and uneasy.

"We've been set up," Cookie's voice was icy with anger. "This isn't our target. Someone laid a trap for us."

The pirates exchanged uneasy glances, a mix of rage and helplessness brewing within them. They realized they had become pawns in someone else's game, lured by greed into a deadly snare.

But amidst their anger, a twisted sense of satisfaction began to emerge. No one in the world despised the Celestial Dragons more than pirates, though few dared to act on that hatred. Now, a Celestial Dragon lay dead before them, and they couldn't help but feel a perverse thrill.

Even as they reveled in the moment, they swore vengeance on whoever had framed them. They vowed to hunt down the mastermind behind this scheme and make them pay dearly.

The pirates documented the scene and reported back to their captain.

"Admiral, the ship is indeed filled with treasure," one pirate said, his voice tinged with unease rather than excitement. "But there's also the body of a Celestial Dragon."

Golden Lion Shiki narrowed his eyes, his golden mane-like hair swaying in the wind. "A Celestial Dragon?"

"Yes, Admiral. It seems we've been played," the pirate replied bitterly.

"Kekekekeke! To think someone would dare scheme against me. It seems I haven't instilled enough fear in this world," Shiki laughed, though his eyes were cold and menacing.

"Take me to the Celestial Dragon," he ordered, leaping from his ship and landing gracefully on the deck of the other vessel.

"..."

"Whatever grudge they had, this Celestial Dragon died a brutal death," one pirate muttered, shaking his head at the gruesome sight.

Among the pirates, however, some couldn't hide their smug smiles. They saw this as an opportunity to make a name for themselves. They imagined the worldwide uproar this incident would cause and how it would catapult them to infamy.

What they didn't realize was that this attack wasn't just about the treasure. It was a direct challenge to the authority of the World Government. Once the World Government set its sights on them, their lives would become a living hell.

Meanwhile, high above on the Red Line, in the holy land of Mariejois.

Mariejois, the sacred home of the Celestial Dragons, was a city of towering walls, opulent palaces, and majestic spires that pierced the clouds. Anyone who set foot in this city would be awestruck by its grandeur.

But today, the atmosphere in Mariejois was anything but serene.

The Celestial Dragons, who roamed the streets of their holy city, received shocking news: a ship laden with treasure had been attacked, and a Celestial Dragon had been brutally murdered. All the guards on board had been killed as well.

The news spread like wildfire through Mariejois, sending shockwaves through the privileged class.

For the first time, the Celestial Dragons felt a sense of vulnerability and fear. They, who had always considered themselves untouchable, were now confronted with the harsh reality that their lives could be threatened.

In the grand halls of Mariejois, some Celestial Dragons exchanged grave looks. They understood that this attack wasn't just a random act of piracy—it was a direct challenge to their privileged status.

"We must respond to this incident decisively. If we don't, attacks on Celestial Dragons will only increase!"

"What do the Five Elders plan to do?"

"Golden Lion's flying pirate fleet is not an easy target. They operate in the skies, making it difficult to track their movements."

Those with ulterior motives sought to shatter the Celestial Dragons' arrogance, and they had succeeded. The complex realities of the situation left the Celestial Dragons feeling cornered.

But they couldn't simply act on impulse.

"We'll wait for the Five Elders' decision."

"..."

For the first time, the Celestial Dragons of Mariejois felt genuine fear.

Meanwhile, the pirates involved in the incident laughed in the shadows, knowing their actions would send shockwaves across the world. Their names would be etched into history, for better or worse.

Marineford.

In a rare moment of peace, Fleet Admiral Sengoku finally had a chance to relax. He had just opened a pack of rice crackers when the Den Den Mushi on his desk began to ring.

"Pururu... Pururu..."

Sengoku frowned, holding the cracker between his fingers. After a brief internal struggle, he set it down and answered the call.

"This is Sengoku."

"Fleet Admiral Kong, what's the matter?"

Kong, the Fleet Admiral, let out a heavy sigh. The World Government had informed him of the Celestial Dragon's death and demanded immediate action.

He knew this mission was unavoidable. While he personally didn't care much for the Celestial Dragons, as a high-ranking officer of the World Government, he had no choice but to comply.

Sengoku's expression shifted as he listened to Kong's explanation.

"Sengoku, I've received orders from above. A Celestial Dragon was killed near Sabaody Archipelago. They want us to investigate," Kong's voice was grave, reflecting the weight of the situation.

"What?! A Celestial Dragon was killed?!" Sengoku's brow furrowed. He knew the implications of this event and understood Kong's predicament. But with the World Government breathing down their necks, there was no room for hesitation.

"Understood, Fleet Admiral. I'll set out immediately to investigate," Sengoku replied firmly. The fallout from this incident would be severe, and they had no choice but to handle it as best they could.

Kong nodded and ended the call, silently praying that things would be resolved smoothly.

He knew this investigation would be fraught with danger and challenges, but he trusted in Sengoku's strength and capabilities to deliver results.

On the other end, Sengoku's expression darkened as he pondered the situation. He couldn't understand why Golden Lion would target a Celestial Dragon, especially so close to Mariejois and Marineford.

The stage was set, and the world was about to witness the fallout of Renji's bold move. The pieces were in motion, and no one could predict where this deadly game would lead.